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The Transportation Security Administration is the main federal agency that ensures the safety of airline passengers by restricting the types of items that you can pack in checked baggage and carry onto planes. Your airline’s size and weight guidelines for your carry-ons also limit the type of electronic equipment that can go onto the plane with you. Even when you travel with electronic equipment that TSA allows on planes, following airline requirements and TSA regulations for packing your gear in carry-on luggage helps you get through security sooner.

Step 1

Ask your airline representative for their size and weight restrictions for their carry-on items. Get exact measurements so that you can prepare your equipment for proper packing.

Step 2

Weigh larger electronic items, such as amplifiers, DVD players, clock radios or video game consoles. The maximum weight for carry-ons varies by airline, but if your carry-on exceeds the airline’s weight limit, you can't take it on board the plane.

Step 3

Measure any electronic equipment that's too large to fit in a woman's purse, backpack or similar-sized carry-on luggage. The most common maximum size for carry-on luggage is 45 inches, calculated by adding the length, width and height, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Step 4

Remove new electronic equipment from its packing box. If necessary, cushion the item with Bubble Wrap before you place it inside your carry-on. TSA officers must be able to scan your equipment at the airport security checkpoint. When your equipment is inside a box, you may need to open it, delaying your progress through security.

Step 5

Keep small electronics, such as MP3 players, in a briefcase or backpack with their chargers and batteries in the same compartment when possible. Removing and returning this type of electronic equipment to your carry-on is quicker and more convenient when you keep the items together.

Step 6

Prepare for travel with your laptop by packing it in a laptop bag or sleeve that allows security personnel to scan the laptop without removing it from its bag. Charge your laptop before heading to the airport. If TSA officers have any concerns, they can require that you boot up the computer. Looking for an electrical outlet because your battery is dead could make you miss a flight.

Tip

Review TSA’s list of prohibited items before your flight. At the time of publication, TSA had no restrictions on specific electronic equipment. This can change at any time.

Luggage shipping companies are alternatives for getting oversized or overweight electronic equipment to your destination. Use a service that has adequate insurance and a convenient way for you to retrieve shipped items when you arrive.

Warning

Declare any electronic medical devices, homemade or hacked electronic equipment, such as cooling fans for laptops, before you reach the security scanner. Remove it from your carry-on. Arrive early for your flight and be prepared to wait for this type of equipment to undergo scrutiny.